University College of the North serves northern Manitoba from two main campuses, in The Pas and Thompson, and a set of regional centres in First Nations and northern communities. It was created in 2004 out of Keewatin Community College. Most of what it teaches is practical: nursing, business, early childhood education and natural resources. Indigenous knowledge is built into the curriculum.
The Pas, Manitoba, Canada
Official website: ucn.ca
2004, from Keewatin Community College
The Pas and Thompson
Public university college in Manitoba
CA$12,000 – CA$16,000
International students, diplomas and degrees
CA$10,000 – CA$13,000
Rent, food and local transport
Approximate figures for 2026-27, please verify. Fees change every year and vary by course, so check the latest amount on ucn.ca before you apply.
Business Administration Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelors DegreeDuration
48 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 86
Early Childhood Education Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Natural Resources Management Technology Diploma
DiplomaDuration
24 Months
Intake
Sep
Exam Score
IELTS: 6.0, TOEFL: 80
Programmes shaped around northern and Indigenous communities.
Small classes on two northern campuses.
Natural resources training close to boreal forest and lakes.
Nursing graduates are in demand in northern Manitoba hospitals and nursing stations.
Business and early childhood graduates work for First Nations, public services and local firms.
Eligible graduates can apply for a post-graduation work permit.
Manitoba's nominee programme supports graduates who stay in the province.
Undergrad
Rolling
Postgrad
No PG intake
Undergrad
Limited programmes
Postgrad
No PG intake
The Pas is a small town on the Saskatchewan River, roughly 600 km north-west of Winnipeg. It's quiet, rent is cheap, and winters are long and very cold.
Thompson, the other main campus, is a mining city further north. Both towns sit at the edge of the boreal forest, with fishing in summer and snowmobiling and northern lights in winter.
Letter of acceptance from the institution
Manitoba provincial attestation letter
Proof of funds for tuition and living
Online IRCC study permit application
Medical exam, if requested
Valid passport and biometrics
UCN reviews applications as they arrive, but places in nursing and some diplomas are limited. International students should apply six to eight months ahead to leave time for the study permit.
Most programmes start in September, and a few begin in January.
Study permit, applied for through IRCC. You'll upload the acceptance letter from University College of the North, an attestation letter if your programme needs one, proof you can pay tuition and living costs, and then give biometrics.
Business administration, nursing, early childhood education and natural resources management are the main programmes. Entry needs secondary school completion with the right subjects and IELTS around 6.0, with nursing asking for more.
UCN has donor-funded bursaries and awards, and some are open to international students. Ask the awards office once you hold an offer.
